Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 15: Mangaluru’s cultural landscape mourns the loss of one of its most revered figures as veteran theatre artiste and leftist thinker Sangathi K Raghav Bangera, aged 78, passed away on Monday at his residence in Asaigoli, following age-related health complications.
A native of Bajal Pakkaladka, Bangera was a towering presence in the world of amateur theatre and progressive ideology. He began his cultural journey at a young age through the Pakkaladka Yuvaka Mandala, a dynamic youth organisation known for its cultural and social engagement. Deeply inspired by leftist thought, Bangera used the stage as a powerful medium to voice social concerns, challenge injustice, and promote equality.
Over the decades, he directed and performed in numerous socially driven plays, particularly during annual celebrations and community events. His compelling performances and commitment to meaningful storytelling won him widespread admiration. Bangera was also a gifted lyricist, having penned many songs for his productions tunes that continue to linger in the collective memory of the local populace.
After a period of residence in Jappinamogaru, he moved to Asaigoli, where he lived for the past forty years. Even there, he remained an active cultural contributor and mentor to several local associations. His presence was felt not only on stage but also in community leadership and cultural preservation.
Despite the changing social and political climate, Bangera remained firmly rooted in his leftist ideals, upholding them with conviction until his final breath. His demise is widely regarded as a significant loss to the region’s cultural and ideological spheres.
He is survived by his wife, three children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, and a large extended family and network of admirers.
Tributes have been pouring in from theatre circles, cultural organisations, and progressive groups across coastal Karnataka. Many remember him as a “people’s artiste”—a man who seamlessly blended creativity with conscience.